Anchor Brewing Company "Double Liberty IPA"
12 oz. brown glass bottle, production coded but not freshness dated (it's actually 6 months old, having been brewed and bottled in May of 2015)
$3.79 @ Total Wine & More, Cherry Hill, NJ (they actually charged me for the Argonaut Barrel Ale so I'm not sure if the cost is correct. I looked around for it and found it averaged $3 elsewhere.)

I wasn't sure what to expect from Anchor's Double Liberty. The standard Liberty Ale is pretty intense as it is, so would a "double" be over the top? Would it be too bitter? Too hoppy? (that's almost impossible)

Certainly not! They've bumped up the whole recipe, taking the standard 5.9% ABV up to 8.2%, and adding a good bit of maltiness along the way. That, of course, can go wrong in itself, but they've kept it lean and it's not in any way "sweet" (there is of course some sweetish malt to it).

So if the malt works as a double IPA, what about the hops? There's more to it in the flavor, and it appears fresher, or at least brighter, but the nose remains limited as a double IPA. In fact, I think I get more of the yeast than I do of the hops (of course I love their yeast as well, and there's a really nice berry-like note coming through as well as the minerals edge). As to the bitterness, it's up there but you don't really perceive it because of the malt; and I think in that way it's really nicely done. In fact, I feel that many IPAs at just 60 or 70 IBUs appear much harsher whereas this is quite smooth. There's also no alcoholic "bite" or "heat" although it is perceptible, and in my opinion, actually belongs there as it's part of the profile of a double IPA.

So to sum up: It looks great in the glass with nice lacing and it's smooth across the palate with a medium-full body and moderate carbonation (I know I didn't mention either of those things before); it's a little light on hops in the aroma but the yeastiness kind of makes up for that; and it's really balanced and smooth in maltiness, bitterness, and hoppiness. It doesn't offer the punch that many will expect from a double IPA, but it truly delivers something nice in and of itself.

Strong beer with a sort of light bitterness that leads into a refreshing taste.

My local beer etc. shop is kind enough to let one snag bottles out of six packs and hence I was fortunate enough to be able to get my hands on one of these.

This beer is really a sort of rich, great example of the American Double/Imperial variety of beer. When I think of the type of American Double/Imperial that I would like to use to sort of ease and "come-hither" someone into this genre of beer(if they are unfamiliar with it) I tend to think of this beer. This beer(perhaps its label has something to do with it) reminds me of days gone by, its body is medium and its flavor is rich.

This beer is really satisfying and refreshing, and flavorful in a great way for an American Double/Imperial. The beer in its six pack form makes for a great Double American/Imperial treat, and I would honestly suggest this type of beer to anyone, whether one is a big fan of the American Double/Imperial style or not; Its flavor is tasty and satisfying, and its body is refreshing, really a great American Double/Imperial.

Floral nose. Sweetened tea. Bubble gum. Slight honey and orange. Taste follows the nose with a moderately bitter, piney finish - well balanced with the sweet maltiness and floral notes. Booze peeks out just a bit in the finish.

Low carbonation and medium body.

Pleasant, well balanced DIPA. If your looking for something floral and piney, this is a fantastic option.

Bottle. Not a fan on the original Liberty Ale. Let's see how this one goes. Just bought a single so my wallet won't cry too much. Pours a clear orange color. Nose is incredibly floral. Floral hops and bubblegum. Slight caramel. Doesn't smell too sweet. Flavor is of tangy citrus, loads of florals and a caramelly malt that isn't too rich. As it warms though, it gets sweeter and sweeter. Medium bodied. Not as bitter as the IBU would sometimes dictate. The growing sweetness is the taking factor. I actually like it better than the normal Liberty but it's nothing I'd come back to.

From a brewery that I've found to be a bit behind the times, still decent just somewhat boring compared to some of the modern brewery's, this beer stands up quite well I think. Very nice aroma followed by good amount of balanced bitterness. Very nice brew!